[cbbest]

Marvel mystery oil is a great product for this type of application. I know on small gas auxillilary engines on sailboats it is standard operating procedure to use the stuff pretty much all the time. Salt air, infrequent use, difficult maintenance tends to lock things up. MMO works wonders freeing up sticky valves, and keeping them unstuck.

But then again, these engines (sail aux.) don't see anywhere near the hours a car would, so no, I wouldn't use it all the time as I do on my sailboat.

5K on a rebuild will give you a great engine, but its not your only option. I took an engine out of a parts car, put in new rings ($90), valve seals ($30) and gaskets ($50) cleaned things up a bit and have a fine little engine for now (OK - I also bought webers, powder coated the tin, new wires, ETC.). Lots of little misc. surprises, but other than the carbs, I don't think I spent more than $400 getting it back together. The work was really not that bad. Something to think about...

Cb